Power-on approval inspections typically begin with a visual inspection of the system. From there, the electrician will verify that the equipment is working properly, perform a grounding and bonding inspection, carry out functional testing, and then test the safety equipment. Once these steps are complete, the electrician will prepare the final documentation.

Some of the most common issues discovered during a power-on inspection include improper wiring, code violations, overloaded devices, and safety equipment failures. While it is never ideal to find problems lurking in a home’s electrical system, it is better to find them before the power is turned on. This way, appropriate repairs or alterations can be made to ensure the home is safe.

The exact documentation and reporting required for power-on approval vary from one municipality and circumstance to the next. However, the documentation will generally outline the electrician’s findings for each step in the inspection process, including any issues that were identified and the recommendations provided. Sometimes, photographic evidence is also included as part of the documentation.

No two power-on approval inspections are the same, but most take about one week to complete. They typically start with one to two days of pre-inspection prep work, followed by the actual inspection, which will take a few hours. A few days later, you’ll receive the post-inspection documentation and have the chance to make repairs before a final, follow-up inspection.